Sony Style Over Performance
The prices of older laptops has considerable dropped recently as new technology begins to set in. It remains highly difficult to find a Sony laptop under $1000. On the flip side Sony are on the cutting edge of new technology and have produced a Blu Ray High Definition DVD player. Which appears in their new laptops as well as the forthcoming Playstation 3. The question is are Sony blinding consumers with branding and style. High spec computers are available for a lot less than Sony’s offerings. The Playstation 3 is also expected to be the most expensive of the next generation console.
Sony’s latest offering is a combination of a laptop computer and a handheld computer, which really needs to be seen to be believed. Is it nothing more than an expensive gimmick as its has no internal DVD drive. Its true functionality is questionable. Sony do offer an external DVD drive, but that really takes away the whole portability element. No question the device will sell, but if its true value for money is a matter of some debate. The new offering retails for around $2000.
Clearly consumer electronics are at the forefront of most people minds. It could be argued that Sony are doing what they can to stand out from the competition. The glory of the free market is companies can do what they want, simply because there is no pressure to buy from them. That would probably be the response from Sony. I do think that with Sony branding plays a part. In my mind there is no question if you buy a Sony product, your paying in part for the brand. Whetever or not you think Sony products are value for money is really a matter of opinion and perception. I would argue that if your looking for the best performance at a low price Sony will rarely be the answer. On the other hand if your looking for a stylish state of the art product and price is no object why not consider Sony.
